State-of-the-art canoes, informative training, breathtaking Boundary Waters sights, and affordable a "To what?" you ask. This is canoe country.
Get away TO it all in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Quetico Provincial Park! To pristine lakes, pine-covered forests, and unsurpassed natural beauty. To a kind of tranquility that is reserved only for those who would leave work and worries, cell phones and social media, traffic lights and headline news behind them to discover a northern wilderness paradise—the greatest of its kind
in the world. This is the famed Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in northeastern Minnesota and the Quetico Provincial Park, just over the border in Ontario, Canada. Together they encompass over two million acres with more than 2,000 lakes interconnected by streams, rivers, and portage trails, all set apart to be forever wild. It's here, waiting for you to come and explore! This is the place where it is possible for an angler's wildest dreams to come true, with world-class fishing for smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, and lake trout. You'll also find abundant largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, stream trout, and more. Wildlife, such as moose, deer, bald eagle, beaver, black bear, otter, mink, marten, and fisher thrive here. The cry of the loon and the distant howl of a timber wolf make your Northwoods nights special occasions that linger long in your memory. What's here is defined by what isn't here: in over two million acres of wilderness, there are no roads, no cabins, and no signs of modern civilization. Motorboats are forbidden in all but a few peripheral lakes. Airplanes are prohibited from flying below 4,000 feet. You step out of the ordinary, work-a-day world and step into an extraordinary, unspoiled realm of sparkling blue waters, spectacular granite cliffs, and dense pine and birch forests. Yes, this is canoe country. You'll sleep out in tents; cook out over the open fire; and drink the water right out of the lakes. Your vehicle is your canoe; your motor is your paddle; and your adventure is where your wilderness canoe trip takes you. Here you'll find the simple pleasures of life most rewarding: freshly caught fish sizzling on a hot griddle; stunning sunrises and sunsets; clean air and pure waters to clear the mind and refresh the soul. Night skies are so jam packed, you simply must stretch out on a slab of ledge rock and watch the "stars" of the show… maybe even see the aurora borealis on a cool evening. Take it all in, here in canoe country. What we are is an outfitter. We outfit you with state-of-the-art, ultra-light canoes and camping equipment designed specifically for the Boundary Waters, along with plenty of tasty food provisions, all of which make for a comfortable, enjoyable wilderness experience. One of the most valuable things we do is design a trip for you based on the number of days you have, the makeup of your group, and the kind of trip you desire. Some people like to travel; some like to base camp. Some prefer to do a combination of the two. Whether you're primarily interested in fishing, sightseeing, photography, history, adventure travel, or just plain relaxation, we will custom design a trip for you that will meet or exceed all of your personal vacation goals.
10/31/2025
Jeff, Tommy, and Mike took a late season trip to Basswood the other day. It was cold and windy, and we had a very hard time finding the fish, and an even harder time getting them to bite…….but still had a great time, saw some great scenery, and we’re glad we went!
10/31/2025
Our official last customers of the season are long time customer Isaac and his friend Yeti. They recently finished their trip and had a great time, and the weather really cooperated!!
10/24/2025
Late October fishing was decent this week…..but cold!
10/21/2025
Jeff and Mike caught this cool scene while out fishing this morning! Always something memorable to see here in the Ely area!
09/27/2025
The Iowa boys are back! They don’t go light….but once they get there, they sure are comfortable! Have a great trip guys!!
09/21/2025
All the way from Oregon for their first BW trip! Have a great 6 days in this special place!!
09/15/2025
What a great morning to start their first ever Boundary Waters canoe trip!
09/10/2025
Mark’s group returned from their 4 day trip… having had pretty decent fishing considering the cold front that had rolled in!
09/05/2025
Adam had been with us for a Chilly Dogs Sled Dog trip in the past…and now brought his girlfriend back for a first time BWCAW adventure! Donna just now put them in at Lake One. Safe travels!!
09/05/2025
Long time customer Mark brought 7 of his South Dakota buddies (all of whom have been out with us before) back for a trip that started this morning in a light cold rain. It’s supposed to get way better starting tomorrow. Stay warm guys! Good luck fishing!
08/30/2025
This new review just came in on Trip Advisor for us here at Way To Go Outfitters from a group we outfitted at the end of July. Thanks guys!! We are so glad you had a great trip and your kind words are much appreciated!!